Related Media

VAIL — The weather gods were kind at Bravo! Vail’s season opener Friday night. The opening night is the unofficial start to the Vail Valley’s social season, and the amphitheater was a giant reunion to the many Bravo supporters who have been coming for years. Many locals were out for the evening, including Donna Giordano, Cookie and Jim Flaum, Carla Guarascio, Linda Hill, Susie Davis and more.

Lisa Mallory, vice president of marketing, joined Bravo! Vail five months ago after working with the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Happy to be back in her home state of Colorado, she was touched by the support of the audience and couldn’t believe how beautiful the venue is, with orchestra and guests present.

“This is world-class music, and it’s gorgeous here in Vail,” she said, big words coming from someone who has worked with the Met. “It’s refreshing to have quality in venue and music, and our team at Bravo is amazing.”

Executive Director James Palermo and Anne-Marie McDermott, artistic director, welcomed the audience for the festival’s 27th year. Howard Stone, executive director of the Vail Jazz Festival, introduced the featured performers for the evening: The John Pizzarelli Quartet, who entertained the audience with jazz standards. Afterward, guests converged at Manor Vail for a post-concert celebration.

Jeff Tyzik, who conducted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra that evening, is a Vail favorite.

“I love the experience of a wonderful audience and wonderful venue,” he said. “The orchestra really steps up and performs in Vail. And the Fourth of July is special to me; it’s moving to celebrate with the Vail audience.”

The season is set up to be spectacular and tickets are reaching sell-out for many of the evenings. Visit www.bravovail.org for more information.